The “Chameleon” Nature Of Man

TheDiscipleMD

In the history of most families, you will find a long list of animals that they have called “pets.”  One such pet that I vividly remember was a couple of Chameleon lizards.  As a young boy I recall being fascinated with these Chameleons. Why? Because they would change colors depending on their background. If you put them on a green leaf, they would turn green. If you put them on a brown stick, they would change to the color brown. They change colors, of course, to camouflage themselves from their enemies. Color changing is also used as a way to “deceive” their prey, which are mostly small insects. I recall putting live flies in their cage and watching their long quick tongues pluck them from the air. With its ability to “deceive and confuse”, the Chameleon is a pretty deadly enemy to have.

Speaking of our day, Spencer W. Kimball said:

“So many secular leaders today are like chameleons; they change their hues and views to fit the situation which only tends to confuse associates and followers who cannot be certain what course is being pursued. Those who cling to power at the expense of principle often end up doing almost anything to perpetuate their power.

In contrast, he testified of the steadiness and unchanging leadership of Jesus Christ.

“Jesus knew who he was and why he was here on this planet. That meant he could lead from strength rather than from uncertainty or weakness. Jesus operated from a base of fixed principles or truths rather than making up the rules as he went along. Thus, his leadership style was not only correct, but also constant…Jesus said several times, “Come, follow me.” His was a program of “do what I do,” rather than “do what I say.” (“Jesus: The Perfect Leader,” Tambuli, Aug 1983, 7)

Over my lifetime, I have often seen the “chameleon” nature of man. Follow any election cycle and you will see that most candidates are constantly “changing” positions depending on the audience they are addressing. They are “brown” on a subject matter one day and then “green” the next. They float along according to the prevailing winds. Unfortunately, many denominations of Christianity have done the same. They shape-shift in order to appease the wants of man. They rationalize away core principles of the gospel in hopes that their “change” will appeal to the masses. And the masses respond by voicing their approval! They claim it is important to “change with the times” and the “Chameleon” churches respond accordingly.

It was fascinating as a boy to watch those Chameleons change colors and observe their eating habits. But I venture to say that my fascination was not shared by the flies I put in their cage. No, for them it was death by deception. For us, spiritual death awaits those who are “deceived” and “fooled” by the Chameleon nature of secular leaders and many modern-day churches. Let us follow the “perfect” leader, Jesus Christ, a leader who is unchanging and everlasting.

 

 

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